Another Classic Berkeley Restaurant to Shutter

It’s been a rough year for many Bay Area restaurateurs, who’ve seen many closures for a variety of reasons. Now that spate of shutters includes Cafe Rouge, the restaurant and butcher shop that’s operated on Berkeley’s Fourth Street for just over 20 years.

Owner Marsha McBride told Inside Scoop that the last day of business will be December 30. McBride has been an integral part of the Bay Area’s butchery scene, even training owners of lauded butcher shops like Fatted Calf. Like many of the restaurants that have recently closed, McBride says that she’s struggled with staffing, forced to work double shifts in both the front of the house and kitchen. Executive chef Rick Debeaord’s departure was the final deciding factor that resulted in the closure.

The restaurant has already been sold, and the new owners do not plan to keep any part of Cafe Rouge or the butcher shop. Stay tuned for more details on what will become of the space, which is located on a prime stretch of real estate next to The Pasta Shop, and Tacubaya.

• Cafe Rouge to Close After 20 Years in Berkeley [Inside Scoop]
• Cafe Rouge [Official Site]